Christine Wade - Operations Strategist

Free Masterclass Tuesday May 24th @ 11am PST/1pm EST

2022-05-20T08:39:14Z

Hi everyone!

Scary though it is for me to do so, I am hosting a Masterclass with Jen Coffel next Tuesday - kindly show us both some love and register if you want to know how to grow your biz through Speaking From Within! Jen's the expert - I'm just the smiling face ;) Please share with everyone you know who could benefit!

More information in my newsletter article here!

Jen built her first five businesses to six-figures each, all in under a year and all in different industries. She has now helped over a thousand entrepreneurs build their businesses, with many reaching six-figure and seven-figure revenues. Speaking your core genius is a powerful marketing strategy that provides an endless supply of leads that are EAGER to do business with you.

Jen and I are hosting a combined masterclass on Tuesday May 24th, 2022 at 11am PST/1pm EST, where we will be breaking down the 3 Secrets to turn your business into a revenue-generating machine using the POWER of Speaking From Within.

Are you ready to experience the POWER that speaking can be in GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?

>>REGISTER HERE: Join The Masterclass <<

BIO: Christine Wade has successfully owned and operated a Real Estate Virtual Assistant business, specializing in Real Estate Support Services, since March of 2000. I have several accreditations and have received many client testimonials over the years. I have over 26 years of administrative experience, I am a licensed agent in California (#01442002) and I specialize in on-going, value-based services provided to real estate agents and brokers...long term relationships with my clients are my greatest success stories. I was a contributing author over at RealBlogging.com, you can read my articles that I have written, all directed towards real estate professionals, by clicking here.

Tuesday Technology: RelayThat vs Canva

2021-03-23T08:25:05Z

So, I was scrolling online today and I saw a recommendation for a graphics program called RelayThat...now let's be clear, I have a background of using Photoshop, and have also been spending a lot of time lately using Canva. I don't "need" another graphics program...but there was one thing that enticed me about RelayThat...

What's that you ask? Well, you can design one graphic - and then it gives you a bunch of different potential layouts. I designed this graphic to the right, and then I simply clicked on Layouts, and it showed me a ton of other options...that would easily allow me to design to my taste once - and then just click on one of the others and maybe change out an image or a title, and voila...new graphic within seconds.

Sound too good to be true? Check this out:

See all those different looks above? Well I promise you that these aren't even a drop in the bucket! There are so so SO many options in there once you design your first graphic in the workspace.

That's it. So far, and granted I just started working with the program, but so far that is the only benefit I see over what some have called the "more difficult to use, Canva". I hate being told what I can and cannot do...especially on the cannot side, and RelayThat doesn't allow me to just add text wherever I want, I can't send an object to the back or the front (layers are huge in graphic design...and you have no control over them in RelayThat.

I think that as someone who designs many social media graphics a month, the concept is interesting to bust them out faster with all of the templates that RelayThat can mass-produce for you quickly...but as someone who wants to get the quality and the right messaging on the graphics also...I don't see myself letting my Canva subscription lag anytime soon. ♥

I will most likely keep my RelayThat subscription active for a month or so, and then come back and update this post, maybe all the templates in there will broaden my real design scope a bit...but as of right now, I expect I will be canceling my RelayThat subscription and just continuing on with my Canva Pro subscription thereafter.

I hope this helps someone! If creating social media graphics for your content has you firmly planted in a field of overwhelm, please book a strategy session with me today so we can figure out how to get you unstuck and scaling your business faster!

Monday Motivation: New Beginnings

2021-03-22T07:02:32Z

Next to the first day of the new year, today has got to be as good a time as any to make a fresh start – set a plan – and see it through! Why is that you ask?

Because today is the first Monday of spring…a time of new beginnings and new growth. A perfect time to think about what you want your business to bloom into and the growth you want to achieve by this time next year.

https://christinewade.co/monday-motivations-new-beginnings/

Sunday Systems: Dubsado Review

2021-03-21T13:09:41Z

Now this post may or may not apply so much to real estate agent / brokers, most likely not those that are in the "big box" brokerages; however, I think this software provides a lot of value for service providers...so I am sharing this here. If it's not of value to you, maybe you know of someone to whom it would be of value?

Dubsado is the CRM / Invoicing / Scheduling / Contracting app that I use...check out today's blog to see why!

https://christinewade.co/sunday-systems-dubsado/

What's your system of choice? Leave a comment or send a DM to discuss ♥

Attn: Independent (not big box) Agents / Brokers

2021-03-19T07:46:42Z

Hello - thanks for reading :)

I am writing an article on real estate - how it's different for Independents - than for those under a corporate umbrella, etc...

If you would like to be interviewed and potentially featured in this article, would you please connect / message me on LinkedIn?

Interviews will start next week...scheduling now.

Thank you!

- Christine

Kind of Last Minute...but you're invited!

2021-02-22T11:35:45Z

So I have this awesome business coach - she specializes in Lead Generation - she is known as The Lead Boss. She is doing a one of a kind workshop tomorrow, and since lead generation is such a huge part of any sales, but inclusive of real estate sales, I wanted to personally invite you to check it out! It's free - about an hour of your time - and she is awesome!

I will be there too! Cat is not your typical slimy salesperson - she shows you how to show up from a place of giving, be authentic and how to be really effective! I've been working with her personally in her 90 day program for one of my businesses, and my revenue has gone up over 490% since I joined her program. (no she isn't paying me to say this in anyway - I just truly thrive in her teachings and want to pay it forward.)

Anyhow, here's her post and how to register - it's tomorrow - so register now!

________________________________________________________

Do you feel like you’re wasting your time trying to close clients online? Don’t want to do it because it feels salesy, slimy or spammy…

There’s a better way than being a Pitchy Pete, and I want to share it with you.

This is your invite to a brand new, never been shared before LIVE workshop, where I’ll show you exactly how I do my thang, so you can too!

Who better to learn from than The LEAD Boss herself?!
I’ll also be doing live reviews and Q&A session, so come ready to engage cuz there’s no holds bar… Tuesday 2/23 @2pm EST… reschedule what you need to, you don’t want to miss this!

So thankful...

2021-02-06T13:53:26Z

I have to share - I am beyond humbled, thankful and blessed to have such an awesome client to go to all of the trouble to make this awesome testimonial video for me!

She is a natural in front of the camera anyhow and brilliant in getting her point across - and lucky me - this time she was talking about me! ♥ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QE2JMuQ7jCiK72sM2yCFFn9gmVaTrdgt/view?usp=sharing

If anyone is looking for an amazing Lead Generation Coach (she is literally the Lead Boss!), feel free to reach out to me and I will make an introduction!!!

I love this...

2021-01-20T09:15:47Z

#WordlessWednesday

What Systems Work?

2021-01-19T21:23:18Z

Talking with clients this week about systems, and all of the sponsored ads that pop up for every platform under the sun - especially in January every year. Trying to take advantage of everyone's good intentions to get organized, on track and to take their business to the next level in the new year.

Sound familiar? Of course it does.

The problem is not with you and your enthusiasm - it's with these platforms and programs that are not customized to you and the way that you naturally operate.

I am often asked, "What is the best system out there - what system should I get?"

My answer has been the same for over 10 years...technology changes and adapts...but my answer to this question does not. "The best system to use is the system that you will USE!"

An Operations Strategist can look at your business and the way you work - and get you set up in a way that sets you and your business goals up for success!

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Client Testimonial

2020-05-20T13:20:33Z

TIPSY TUESDAY: Memorial Day Marketing / "Salute to Soldiers" Sangria

2020-05-19T10:51:46Z

Hello everyone - happy Tipsy Tuesday!

This edition holds a special place in my heart...Memorial Day - so many Americans just think it's another patriotic holiday that grants them a 3 day weekend, without knowing the true meaning behind it. So let's start there...

Memorial Day is a holiday to honor and mourn those who have lost their lives while serving in the Unites States Military / Armed Forces. America is the "Land of the Free - because of the brave."

TIP: Memorial Day Marketing Thoughts:

When people choose to market around Memorial Day themes, sales, limited time offers, etc...I ask that they do it knowing what it truly means...and that they do it in a way that honors the ultimate sacrifices that our American heroes have made so that we can live our own American Dream - whatever that may entail for each of us.

Here are some of the most popular hastags to use for your Memorial Day social media marketing: #memorialday, #America, #LandoftheFree, #memorialdayweekend, #memorialdaybbq, #grateful, #thankful (4 hashtags is plenty)

Try to incorporate some tips & facts about Memorial Day into your marketing messages to help keep our American history alive, here are some examples:

Originally Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day, meant to honor the Union and the Confederate soldiers who died during the American Civil War.
Don't wish people "Happy Memorial Day" - it is a day of remembrance and mourning.
Memorial Day used to be celebrated on May 30th every year but now it is officially the last Monday in May.
Congress passed a law in 2000 that requires all Americans to stop what they are doing at 3pm on Memorial Day to remember and to honor those who have died serving the United States.
The flag is supposed to be flown at half-mast until noon, and then raised to full mast until sunset on Memorial Day.

So while you are planning your marketing strategy for the holiday weekend posts, maybe keep some of those in mind. I know that we are planning a bbq, fly the flag, listen to some good country music while enjoying the outdoors (weather permitting) and reflect on our American Heroes and be so gratedful for their service!

TIPSY: "Salute to Soldiers" Frozen Sangria

This is a nice, cooling, refreshing cocktail to sip on while reflecting on those who gave their all so that we could be free.

Here we go - in order of layering affect in glass. Blend all into a luscious frozen margarita consistency in individual layer batches.

RED:

2 cups raspberries (frozen)

3/4 cup white wine (I love the La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonay - not the Monterey - totally different taste)

1 TBSP maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)

WHITE:

2-1/2 cups ice

1 cup white wine

BLUE:

3 cups ice

2 ounces vodka (I use Grey Goose or Kettle One)

1/4 cup white wine

1 TBSP maple syrup

Several drops of blue food coloring to reach desired blue color (there are natural food coloring dyes out there, check Amazon)

I hope you all have a relaxing and reflective Memorial Day weekend.

Tipsy Tuesday: Traction / Get 'er Done

2020-05-12T09:42:50Z

Hello everyone - happy Tipsy Tuesday!

TIP: Read this book! Traction - Get A Grip On Your Business (on Amazon - no affiliate link)

This book discusses Entrepreneurial Operating Systems and how to run your business for maximum results. If you read the reviews, not all out there are big fans...but my opinion is that if you are in a numbers-based, systems-obsessed business (like perhaps real estate 😉),then this read is worth your time!

I had already heard of this book and have been reading all the buzz, have it on my Audible and am going through it...but I didn't know anyone who had really implemented the strategies until my fiancé started working for a new company, a roofing company - also a numbers-based business, to open a new local branch. They utilize this system and at first, my fiancé thought it was way too structured and over-kill, but he is now seeing how the company is growing utilizing this method of structure, feedback and accountability. I am in the process of developing a traction-based model for my own business.

I have said it again and again when my clients ask me "What system should I use?" - you should use whichever one will work for you - your personality - the way you work - or at the very least the one that you can relate to and force yourself to "fake it until you make it" with! There are so many business models / systems out there because there are so many personality types of people in business. Most have great attributes - but the best one for you is the one that you will USE and stick with!

TIPSY: Get 'er Done!

Keeping with our theme of getting the work done this week, I am sharing with you the "Get 'er Done Cocktail" - I originally found this on DrinkNation and while the recipe states generically "lemon lime soda", then proceeds to call out the Squirt® brand...which is what I tried it with and I think that is the way to go - the strong grapefruit flavor really packs the punch that nails the name of the cockail home! 🤩

1 Shot Vodka (light drinks like these I always use Grey Goose)

6 Drops Grenadine

Fill glass with Squirt® (grapefruit flavor soda - approx. 12 oz. - but to taste)

Now get out there and Get 'er Done!!!

Mulling it all over Monday: “Judginess” 🔪

2020-03-23T08:54:14Z

Preface: My fiancé is addicted to cooking shows...you know the ones where contestants have to cook something under timed and crazy circumstances, only to have their food judged very critically at the end? Well, needless to say, we've been together for 2.5 years now and I have watched many of these shows with him...and become an armchair judge!

Because of this, as I was reading blogs last week, I realized two things:

When you are writing a professional piece, do it correctly.
1. Denote trademarked brands correctly.
2. Don't use REALTOR® and agent interchangeably - they are not the same thing,
3. If you are posting a fun blog, it's ok to take a bit more grammatical leeway...otherwise, keep proper grammar skills in play. Every post you write is like a first job interview, people are considering hiring you, whether consciously or not.
4. If you are going to post testimonials with links or links to previous works - make sure those are functioning links and make sure that those links show your skills at your absolute best.
5. If your chosen industry is writing - you had better make in proper! If your chosen industry is graphics - make them crystal clear and appealing. If your chosen industry is web design - make them function across all platforms and make sure the links are good before posting. If your chosen industry is marketing - be current on your message. If your chosen industry is mortgage - get your numbers in line and current. If your chosen industry is real estate - know your market!
I am very judgemental of people who act unprofessionally within their professions!
1. I shall try to improve on that...read to hear the heart of the message and turn off my judgmental, interrupting mind.
2. Realize that we all make mistakes and have bad days.
3. Forgive them for they know not what they have done!!! ☺

♥Buy American - Buy Local - Support Local Businesses Now♥

2020-03-20T08:56:51Z

I am sure there are international members here... not intended to leave you out - just insert your own country's name in when reading - the sentiment holds true!

So, my business partner jumps in last night on Facebook and starts a group specifically for small businesses in the area to post their ads and business hours announcements / updates in during this difficult time. Those are the only posts allowed. Period.

You know, our community already has several "classified" type groups and whatnot, so I thought this would be a waste of time...well business owners flocked - and support from the community has been amazing! Support those now who have supported you and your kids' little league teams, etc...in the past.

Want to stand out in your community? Then stand UP and take action to support and help keep your community going strong and band them together. If you do this, please be sure to come back here and share the results...I will update about ours as well!

Here is our simple little community group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShopLocalTownsendMontanaAndBroadwaterCounty/

Social Distancing Co-Workers Napping On The Job

2020-03-19T16:04:09Z

I really meant to post this yesterday for Wordless Wednesday, but the day got away from me...it is too danged cute not to share! #NotFriends

Mulling it all over Monday...

2020-03-16T09:41:29Z

So, it's Monday... it's gray outside, cold and dreary...and as I sip my morning coffee, I just keep mulling this thought over in my head:

What can I do better today than I did last Monday?

I want to be a great asset to other business owners to help them grow their businesses while growing my Virtual Assistant business at the same time. How do I DO that?

Well, last Monday marked my official return here to Active Rain...I have been essentially missing in action from the networking front for my clients needing real estate support services for quite some time...years. I have been involved in other business endeavors that took priority. Other people and other things have taken priority over what I worked so hard to build and what was MINE.

So here today, I stand committing to you, my past, present and hopefully future clients...I am back. This month marked my 20th year as a Virtual Assistant and I have expanded my business offerings considerably during this revamp. I will blog, I will comment, I will share knowledge, I will regain industry respect and give it as well. I will be 100% USA based in my clients and my outsourcing. I will continue to remain educated in all technologies that are relevant to business and marketing - I don't have to do it all - I just have to know how to get it done. I will lend a hand up whenever I can to a fellow business-owner and never look down upon them no matter what the situation. I intend this business to take me through my retirement - and I would like to help you grow yours along the way as well. So get used to seeing my mug around...yeah, that one...at the top of the page...you're going to be seeing me A LOT.

I have been here a LONG time - I was trying to look back today and see how many of us old time, original real estate virtual assistants were still around - only real reference I have is the list of VAs that got the Realtor.com certification with me WAY back when in 2003 - from what I can tell there are less than a handful of us that have stayed in it for the long haul. My haul isn't over ☺- I am just getting started - again. I am better now, more skilled than ever before [with age comes wisdom ;-) kidding...I take courses constantly] , and working smarter as well - I added a HIPAA compliant (so you know your information is secure) client portal on my site to make working with my clients so much more efficient. (Features include CRM, Project & Task Management, File & Folder Sharing, Proofing & Client Approval, Time Tracking & Billing, Group Chat, etc...)

Enough of MY mulling - it's YOUR turn...what can you do better today than you did last Monday???

Tipsy Tuesday: Bringing them back! [LinkedIn & Corona Sunshine Cocktail]

2020-03-15T14:09:21Z

I started my weekly "Tipsy Tuesday" posts WAY back in 2008, they were fun, people subscribed, so I thought it was time to bring them back.

TIP: GET MORE FROM LINKED IN
What kind of Linked In subscription do you have? Freebie? LinkedIn Learning? Premium? Sales Navigator? Well here's a TIP: If you have a LinkedIn Premium subscription you also get access to tons of online courses for no additional charge - a great thing to make use of while practicing self-distancing. Another TIP: If you get Sales Navigator, which is only $10 more per month, you still get all of the benefits of Premium + Learning - but the improved searching, filtering, list building features of Sales Navigator are worth SO much more! How could you put this additional technology to use? I am getting a great deal out of my Sales Navigator experience. Check it out for yourself - there's a free trial....and don't forget to do some of the courses too! Feel free to connect with me at: LinkedIn/in/christinewade

TIPSY: Corona Sunshine Cocktail

*****With all the negativity around the word "Corona" these days...I thought I would help bring some positivity back to it...how? With a sunshiny, happy cocktail! ☺

What you need:

1.5 oz Tequila (opt for a smooth, sipping tecquila, like Patrón Silver)
1 oz Grenadine
2 oz Orange Juice
Orange Slice
1/2 bottle Corona Extra

How you make it:

Combine tequila and orange juice in pint glass, add grenadine and ice, then fill with ice-cold Corona Extra.
Garnish with orange slice.

Friday the 13th - before the Luck of the Irish ☘

2020-03-13T10:29:38Z

It's finally Friday...the 13th that is! This particular Friday the 13th happens to fall right before St. Patrick's Day...one known for bad luck, one for good...does that mean they balance each other out and it's a wash this year? Who knows, but with all the depressing news right now, I thought we all needed a break! Here's what the Irish have to say about Friday the 13th...

Irish superstitions to be aware of this Friday the 13th:

Black cat crosses your path - we all know this is bad - but did you know that if you make a triangle with your thumbs and index (pointy) fingers and spit at the cat through that triangle that your crisis may be avoided? Apparently this works with the walking under the ladder problem as well...
Roosters crowing at your threshold predicts visitors
Magpies - 3 in road = badluck, 2 on right-hand side = good luck
If you kill a robin (redbreast only?) you are never to have good luck again.
If you FIND a horseshoe and nail it over your door you will have good luck - a gifted one does not produce the same effect.

I am ending on that one - I only shared a few of the ones having to do with animals, click on the link above to go to the article and read more...

Based on the last one that I noted, I am taking away this: You have to find or make your own luck in this world - it can't be handed to you, you must work for it / seek it out yourself! Have a great weekend everyone!

Wordless Wednesday...Keep Calm

2020-03-12T09:42:15Z

I know, it's Thursday...it's been one of those weeks... ;-)

Which Clubhouse Should You Be Hanging Out At?

2020-03-11T15:31:14Z

It seems like I have been noticing this week that people are hanging out in the wrong clubhouse... For example, (forgive me Mom) I got a connection request from my mother this morning on LinkedIn. My mother is a happily retired 76 year old who is currently snowbirding in Arizona, no business on the side, no interest in that at all - but yet she suddenly decides to join LinkedIn??? I messaged her to make sure she had really done it and not been hacked...she said yes, she got an email invite and thought she would join. I explained to her the purpose of LinkedIn was for business networking and suggested she stick with Facebook and Instagram where she is already set up to network with friends and family. There have been other examples this week, but my mom is the cutest and most obvious.♥

But think about it...if you want to target residents in your area who could become potential clients, you are going to go hyper local with your networking...community pages on Facebook (not just posting on your general timeline), joining and participating on sites like Nextdoor.com, get involved in community government, at your kids' schools, etc...anything that really gets you out there and in the community that you want to do business with and get face time with those people. Or, research the members of your community who are homeowners and might want to sell... is there a house that you drive by all the time that you would love to have the listing for some day? Look up the property owner in your county records and then seek them out on LinkedIn...chances are if they can afford that house, they have a career that at some point or another they have decided to have a LinkedIn profile for...send them a message...don't say "hey - I looked up your house to find the owner and if you ever want to sell, I want that listing" (why not? because that's creepy!) Message them and have a comment about something on their profile, something you think you have in common after reading their profile, etc...ask to connect, then follow them so their activity shows up in your feed...now you can start interacting with them...after maybe 3 -5 touch points or so, when you know that they now know who the heck you are and that you have intelligently interacted with them...now you can shoot them a message and say, "hey - I'd like to earn your business down the line - and any referrals you may have." (no longer creepy). I am a huge believer in the value of LinkedIn for seeking out and networking with potential clients; however, personally speaking, Active Rain is an amazing networking platform for real estate support services providers like myself who serve real estate professionals, I have it easy (of course I am still out networking on other platforms as well)!

This is not a new concept...I am all for PPC ads and sales funnels when they make sense...but when you are selling a service, as in a real estate agent, virtual assistant, copywriter, etc... doesn't it make more sense to prove that you know what the heck you are talking about first? No one has all day to sit around on boards and chit chat - at least not if they are producing any real income; however, showing up consistently and making your presence known - and still living your authentic life while doing so with family and friends, showing your knowledge, answering questions, being approachable, humble and human...doesn't that make more sense? Sure, it takes work - but shouldn't we have to work for a living? (Unless my dream comes true and I win the lottery that is☺ ) Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to play some more in my clubhouse...

Inspiration...

2020-03-10T08:36:05Z

I am out in my front yard this morning walking my old man dog around to do his business, he's been going through some rough days, and it's usually a sombering experience for me...but then I turned to the right and saw this amazing sight of the sun rising over the water. Breathtaking, right?

Suddenly my heart seemed a little lighter and I felt energized! I wanted to do good, I wanted to do good work...I was inspired.

Sometimes as human beings we get so bogged down in the daily muck that can sometimes become our lives, hopefully only short-term, that we just keep trudging through it step by step aiming for the other side. That is survival, not living.

We need to find what gives us that energized, yet calm and peaceful, feeling...we need to find what inspires us...and we need to purposefully build that into our lives...so that we are living, not merely surviving...so that we sre inspired to do good, good work, good deeds, and so perhaps we can inspire others as well along the way.

I challenge you today to seek out that which inspires you...it could be nature, it could be childeren, it could be the elderly, it could be the arts, etc...and fill your cup of it, then allow it to runneth over into your day...and rain a little on those around you as well!🌞

What is your PLAN?

2020-03-09T14:13:59Z

I have been feeling this blog post brewing in my brain for days now; however, reading another ActiveRainer's post today (thanks Wanda!☺) kicked me into gear to get it written! When I commented on her post, I wrote, "...if you "fail to plan, you might as well plan on failing"!" Nothing earth shattering, right? We've all heard some rendition of that phrase over the years, right?

Have you seen the Pixar movie "UP" from 2009? If not, Google / YouTube "Pixar's UP + Squirrel" to see several video clips where the dog gets distracted at all the good moments in hopeful pursuit of a squirrel sighting. My family has quoted this movie when we've been in silly moments for years when someone gets distracted or wants to distract someone else. What does this anecdotal moment have to do with my blog post? Let me explain...

Lately I feel like my clients have been getting distracted by lots of "shiny objects / new toys / squirrels"...and are just jumping on to the next new thing without setting up their game plan first. Money doesn't come easily, and before my clients sign up for something new, I want them to think about a few things...

Are you sure it is better than what you currently have or are using?
What do you hope to gain by signing up with said new shiny object?
Have you checked out references or testimonials of others who have jumped on said shiny object bandwagon before you?
Can you get a reasonable ROI on this investment?

If the responses to the above are favorable, then I say let's move on. Next we tackle what will it take to get up to speed / up and running with said shiny object? Who needs to be involved? Do we need to schedule it out for a certain day so that we avoid any potetial hiccups on a day when they could critically impact the client's productivity / success rate?

OK, it all still looks good, we've got a plan, now let's ACT on it. Go ahead and purchase, sign up, release, etc... said shiny object. But it doesn't end there! Evaluate, watch, listen to what is happening and your client's responses to this investment. Do they like it? Wait a week, then a month, maybe even 90 days...but then review your purchase. Has it been worthwhile? Do you and / or your clients get value from it? Enough to justify the expense?

If NO - then cancel, get your money back if you can, cancel your subscription, etc...don't just keep letting that shiny albatross suck your bank account dry! Stay on top of it and get it canceled or returned - stop the bleed.

If YES - then great! We are in full implementation at this point. But don't just sit back and enjoy it...of course you could, but inevitably the luster will fade and it will not be so shiny and new...but hey - it worked so well - is it scalable? Can we make it better? Do more of it? Change it up just a bit to keep it shiny and new? Create a campaign around it to keep it in focus, etc...?

See what I mean? PLAN. If you fail to plan, you might as well plan to fail...but I have faith that we are all intelligent people not to be enslaved by a shiny object simply for shine's sake...so tell me...what are YOU planning today? What is next on your horizon?

20 Year Anniversary as Virtual Assistant

2020-03-01T11:51:00Z

Help me celebrate!

20 years ago today, I decide to leave the corporate world behind for good (ok, I have gone back a few times in the process ;-)!

My business style, domain names and website designs have all changed over the years, much like technology and my skill set; however I am very happy whith where I am at in my career and PROUD of our company persona. We are 100% USA based, only utilize USA based Virtual Assistants and only work with clients in the USA as well. We have recently integrated a HIPAA Compliant Client Portal and are set up to keep growing with technology and the marketplace.

I hope you all will visit our website and read our anniversary post, see our new branding and consider working with us. Whether you are a Virtual Assistant looking to work under an established organization, looking to hire a virtual assistant yourself or know someone else who is looking - or SHOULD be looking, please visit PROUDvirtualassistance.com today and help me celebrate my 20 year anniversary today! Use the contact form and let me know you were there.

We have client openings available as of 3/1/2020 - reserve your spot today.

Looking for Lodge in All the Wrong Places

2020-02-19T11:09:12Z

:-) If you didn't hear the tune to Johnny Lee's "Looking for Love" in your head as you read the blog title, I'd be surprised!

I have someone who is looking for a Lodge, possibly with a bar/restaurant option, but with emphasis on the lodge portion, for sale in the Sandpoint, Idaho area. I know what properties are currently listed in Loopnet in Idaho, so am wondering if there are any pocket listings out there or if any of you have properties that you know are coming up but are just not quite active yet? I am only licensed in CA so this would be a referral...hence the "wrong places" ;-) Please DM me if you have anything!

Need Commercial / Private Funding Advice

2019-10-24T14:11:42Z

Brief scenario: Corporation has been in business for just 1 year. Great income of over $680k for the first year, net income of over $400k. Corporation is looking to purchase an 11,ooo sq. ft. commercial building on the main highway just south of the state capitol, renovate the building so that the majority of it is a restaurant / bar / casino (with catering endorsement), and then the other portion of the building will be a salon offering hair, nails, tanning and sauna. Purchase price is only about 60% of value of property, but loan is needed for full value in order to do renovations, buy equipment and have a bit of operating capital for the first couple of months. Loan value needed approximately $1M. Business owners both have prior BK7s that are just at 2 years - credit scores currently in the 600 - 657 range. They had funding from private lendor but that fell out due to no fault of their own. Their deposits in corporate account haven't been much in last 3 months due to project basis of their current clientelle; which is what is causing them difficulty in getting funding...most won't lend because of this...even though annual income average is $56k / month.

I am here hoping to provide them with new ideas they maybe haven't thought of, non-traditional ok. They are open to 10-12% interest with balloon due at 5 or 10 years, amortized over 20 years (double their money in 2 years!), or 2X return paid back at 10% monthly or quarterly, or other ideas entirely. Please provide any insight in comments or email me directly. I am sure they appreciate any assistance!